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DENGUE FEVER

MOS

Dengue is a mosquito borne viral disease. It is transmitted by female mosquitoes mainly of species Aedes aegypti to a lesser extent Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are also vectors of chikungunya,yellow fever etc

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms range from mild to severe

MILD DENGUE FEVER

Symptoms can appear upto 7 days after being bitten by the mosquito that carries the virus

They include

  • aching muscles and joints
  • body rash that can disappear and then reappear
  • high fever
  • intense headache
  • pain behind the eyes
  • vomiting and feeling nauseous

Symptoms usually disappear after a week and mild dengue rarely involves serious or fatal complications

DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER

At first symptoms may be mild but they gradually worsen within a few days.s well as mild dengue symptoms there may be signs of internal bleeding.

  • bleeding from mouth,gums or nose
  • clammy skin
  • damage to lymph and blood vessels
  • internal bleeding which can lead to black vomit and feces or stools
  • a lower number of platelets in the blood
  • sensitive stomach
  • small blood spots under the skin
  • weak pulse

DENGUE SHOCK SYNDROME

It is a severe form of dengue.Apart from symptoms of mild dengue fever,the person may experience

  • intense stomach pain
  • disorientation
  • sudden hypotension or a fast drop in blood pressure
  • heavy bleeding
  • regular vomiting
  • blood vessels leaking fluid

TREATMENT

Dengue is a viral disease,so there is no specific treatment or cure.However intervention can help depending upon how severe the disease is

For milder forms ,treatment include

  • Preventing dehydration-The person should drink clean water. Re hydration salts can also help replace fluids and minerals
  • Pain killers such as Tylenol or paracetamol.They can help lower pain and fever

More severe form of dengue fever may need

  • Intravenous(IV) fluid supplementation or drip , if the person cannot take fluid by mouth
  • blood transfusion, for patients with severe dehydration

HIGH RISK AREAS

  • Central and South America
  • The Caribbean
  • Tropical Asia,including Bangladesh,Indonesia and parts of China
  • Northern Australia

PREVENTION

  • Clothing :Reduce the amount of skin exposed by wearing long pants,long sleeved shirts and socks
  • Use of mosquito repellents
  • Use of mosquito traps and nets
  • Door and window screens
  • Timing:Try to avoid being outside at dawn,dusk and early morning
  • Stagnant water-Cleaning stagnant water can help to reduce risk

Prepared by Dr Sajna Hamza

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